Alcohol ‘important to tourism’

THE drinks industry has issued a robust defence of its role in the sponsorship of major cultural and sporting events, claiming many festivals are heavily reliant on such funding.

A report published by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) on the sector’s contribution to tourism, festivals and sports found the drinks industry accounts for approximately 50% of all sponsorship of some 800 festivals held in Ireland every year. In contrast banks and building societies provide just 6%.

The drinks industry is also the biggest contributor to horse racing sponsorship, accounting for 18% of the total.